Shaw’s selling Conn. stores

MINNEAPOLIS – The parent of Shaw’s said last week it would sell all its Connecticut stores but keep those in Rhode Island.
Grocery giant Supervalu said it would sell 11 Connecticut stores to independent owners and the state’s other five stores to competitor Stop & Shop. A spokeswoman told Providence Business News the independent stores would take on the PriceRite Grocery or Shop Rite Supermarket names. The company continues to seek buyers for its two additional stores in Connecticut. Spokeswoman Judy Chong said Shaw’s would keep its Rhode Island stores.
“While these decisions are always difficult, given the impact on associates and customers, they ultimately allow us to operate more efficiently and effectively within a highly competitive retail environment,” Pete Van Helden, Supervalu executive vice president of retail operations, said in a statement.
The grocer operates a dozen Shaw’s in the Ocean State, including stores in Barrington, Cranston, East Providence, Johnston, Middletown, North Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, Westerly and Woonsocket.